Angel Medical Center Auxiliary’s Board of Directors voted to donate $22,000 to Angel Medical Center which was used, in part, to purchase a cardiac stress test machine which monitors the electrical activity of the heart. Funds were also allocated to refurbish the Intensive Care Unit’s waiting room. Arthur Chikka, AMC Auxiliary President, said, “when the auxiliary donates funds to AMC, enabling the purchase of new equipment, such as this stress test machine, the auxiliary is fulfilling its stated mission of assisting the medical center in treating its patients more efficiently and thoroughly.”

The new stress test machine will assist physicians in determining if someone is in danger of having a heart attack. The new G.E. Case V6 stress test machine gives Angel the state-of-the-art equipment used by larger hospitals to better serve our patients. Eric Wolak, cardiopulmonary director stated, “having the auxiliary purchase this stress test machine will make a great difference in the services we can provide here in Franklin for our patients. Technology changes quickly in today’s world and this new V6 will give us the ability to be better able to respond faster to critical conditions in our heart patients.”

“Over the last year, Angel Medical Center Auxiliary has enhanced patient comfort and safety with generous allocations of the money they have raised. We are very fortunate that our volunteer auxiliary takes such great pride in assisting our staff and physicians in maintaining a high level of treatment to the residents of Macon County,” said AMC President and CEO Jim Bross.

The Angel Medical Center Auxiliary is an integral part of the hospital. The volunteers, 125 members strong, contributed well over 37,000 hours representing an economic benefit in excess of $622,000. Each newborn baby receives a hand crocheted cap while their mothers each receive the New Mom’s Handbooks and Birthing Class Handbooks compliments of the auxiliary.

The hospital’s volunteers reduce the anxiety of pediatric patients by providing each child with a handmade doll and crayons that they take with them when they leave the hospital. Geriatric patients receive cloth walker bags with pockets for cell phones, purses, mail, etc. to place on the front of their walkers freeing up their hands for extra stability when moving. The Medication Assistance Program receives contributions that provide vouchers to patients who are faced with the difficult decision to purchase necessary prescriptions for their healing and care or food to eat. Our volunteers assist with the American Red Cross blood drives, cardiovascular screenings, the Teddy Bear Clinic, Senior Health Expo, National Health Decision Day, and National Hospital Week.

The hard work and dedication of the members of the auxiliary have not gone unnoticed. This year, the North Carolina Hospital Volunteers awarded Angel Medical Center Auxiliary the coveted Five Star Award for the ninth straight year.

For more information about the Angel Medical Center Auxiliary or to volunteer, contact Jennifer Hollifield at (828)349-6688.